Let’s go ahead and talk about this 2014-2015 school year

This school year’s body isn’t cold yet and I’m ready to start an autopsy. So much to say about this year!

Off the bat, this year was very, very challenging. There were the usual challenges, yes. There were a lot of others as well that no one saw coming. There were some unique behaviors that really left my gobsmacked. Wow, didn’t see that coming at all.

The Common Core isn’t exactly what I want and I can understand the concerns about it. That being said CCSS makes it very simple to collaborate with teachers all over the country. Couldn’t do that before.

Teachers can be some of the easiest people to work with. They understand the “struggle”. No one is trying to get over on another. We all see the importance of our role. I love my co-workers and my teamies. #MissMrsJonesAlready!

Routines. Routines. Routines.

Complaining about students not following the routines, isn’t teaching the routine.

The more you talk about reviewing the routines as a punishment the more you’re going to have to teach the routines.

Sometimes seeking and getting parents involved is a bad thing. The Helicopter Parent is REAL. But to that point when you have concerned, engaged, useful parents you’ve hit a gold mine.

Turning water into wine was a major miracle.

Do not assume that because you’re doing right/good/going above that people notice. People will ignore them.

CrossFit saved my sanity more times than I can count. I can not say how thankful I am to be coaching now. I get to fully decompress from the teaching day in a creative and tough way. Thanks Team CFSC!

My anchor chart system worked like a charm. It’s just that next year I may have a lot less space. So back to the drawing board.

Everyone without a book bag is not unprepared and everyone with book bag is prepared.

A classroom of 17 that sees 9 students come and through the year is going to have a tough time building team.

Meal prep also was spot on. It helped so much with keeping me fed so I didn’t start gnawing on chalk.

Oh, Promethean boards are amazing!

The more kids read on their own the more they understand. Grade level is good, but if they can’t read on grade get them reading in the area of focus on the grade level they can digest.

Read the standards. Know the standards.

Small meaningful projects have a lot of use and give you a lot more bang for your buck.

Paperwork can be managed. I’m not certain I did a perfect job. I know I didn’t do a perfect job with paper work, but I can say I didn’t have a mountain to pass back on the last day either.

Using Journals to capture all the in class work was a great idea. It also worked like charm for homework! Now to fine tune it.

There is zero reason for me to have a classroom desk what so ever. Not like I ever did, but you get my point.

Get data, use data, get more data.

Class Dojo is still the best thing cooking! I know there are other programs out there, but as a fore runner to those CD is still out pacing them all.

Teachers should become scientists. So much can be done by applying the scientific method to teaching.

People say things to male teachers that, I am confident, they don’t mean.

I have so much fun with my bowtie game. I can’t really explain WHY as much as it just makes me feel like I’m on point. Given that most of the time I’m huddled up in the fetal position wondering why I do this. I need as much confidence as I can muster.

The most challenging student needs love. They need to know that even at the basic level “this person cares about me”. They are going to make it tough, but they need to you to care about them.

They also need some degree of respect. Even when they behavior in the most vile, disrespectful manners. “Going there” with them doesn’t do anything, but solidify that they have to act a certain way to “demand” respect.

I do have some news I want to post about my teaching career. Most of my family, friends and co-workers know. I am taking a position in another school district closer to my house. I’ve never been apart of my school community. I will NEVER run into my students at the market or out with my children. So to get closer to home and my own kids I’m moving from APS in August. It’s been an enjoyable adventure. Besides all the tissue I’m going to use up on our last teacher day I’m taking some fond, fond memories. Thanks to everyone!